Methods of treating inflammation using selection binding compounds

Abstract

Ligands that bind to human selectin receptors are disclosed. The ligands are formulated with excipient carriers to form compositions which are administered to treated condition such as inflammation. The ligands have the structural formula III ##STR1## or molecules which have hydrogen bond donor groups equivalent to the circled groups with respect to their ability to form hydrogen bonds with a selectin under physiological conditions.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of treating inflammation in a patient in need thereof comprising: administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of an injectable pharmaceutical composition comprised of: a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; and   a compound selected from the group consisting of: (a) a compound of formula III ##STR10##  which compound binds to a selectin receptor; and (b) molecules having hydrogen bond donor groups equivalent to the circled groups of formula III with respect to their ability to form hydrogen bonds with a selectin receptor; wherein the selectin-binding compound selected from the group consisting and of (a) and (b) is present in the composition in an amount in the range of about 1% to about 95% by weight.         
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1, wherein the patient is a human and the selectin receptor is an ELAM-1 receptor. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 1, wherein the selected compound is (b) a molecule having hydrogen bond donor groups equivalent to the circled groups of formula III and having an energetically preferred conformation schematically represented by the structure: ##STR11## or an equivalent three-dimensional configuration with respect to its ability to bind to a selectin receptor. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 3, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is administered by intravenous injection.